Hopkins Concrete invests in the future of local young people

Published: 19 December, 2016

Hopkins Concrete has joined forces with LGS Training and Key4Life to appoint two new team members. In an industry where there is a shortage of HGV drivers, and with an average age of over 47 across its 85 employed drivers, the company is keen to recruit young people from the local communities.

Firstly, 20-year-old Christian joins the team for three days a week of work experience, as part of his rehabilitation programme with Key4Life, while 21-year-old Matthew Chaves is appointed as the company’s second apprentice.

Key4Life is a rehabilitation charity set up by Eva Hamilton MBE and is designed to offer support and guidance to people who have experienced adverse situations in their life. The programme allows them to gain important skills to ultimately build a career path and move forward in their lives.

Fleet manager Paul Wright said: “We were impressed with Christian’s attitude and enthusiasm and if he continues on his new path he could become an employable asset to any company.”

As part of the government-led apprentice scheme, Matthew Chave will spend a year with the company, which will see him gain his LGV category C license with LGS Training of Frome. Until now, he has been working in the hotel and catering industry but he has been keen to follow in both his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and become an LGV driver. With Hopkins help, he is now able to afford the training costs and pursue his dream career.”

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